Fasting tips for diabetics during the month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is upon us. The holy month, during which the Qu’ran was revealed to mankind through Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated throughout the Islamic world by undertaking fasts from dawn to dusk.

And although certain people including pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women and people with diabetes are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, there are ways you can continue to fast with diabetes, if you wish to.

“If you have a chronic disease, you don’t have to fast. This is a discussion that you need to have with your doctor before you start fasting”, says Anar Allidina, Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietician with LMC Diabetes and Endocrinology. “Usually some doctors are fine. Even if you are on insulin, you can still fast. You just need to take your insulin from time to time.”

Allidina recommends regularly monitoring blood sugar levels for people with Diabetes while fasting for Ramadan. “If you’re feeling too unwell, the first thing to do is to check your blood sugar levels, and if they are less than 4 mmol/l then you need to break your fast”, she says emphatically. “At that point, your body is experiencing extremely low sugar levels and it is important you immediately eat something as a safety measure.”

“However, if your sugar levels are well controlled, and you are feeling good then you are able to fast for the entire month, without much concern.”

Allidina also says it is important to focus on foods that give you energy and nutrition while fasting during Ramadan. “Traditionally Ramadan fasts are broken with dates because it is believed that is the food the Prophet used to break his fast. Dates are great because they are packed with a lot of nutrients and are a quick source of energy. However, dates have a concentrated amount of sugar, so it is advisable to not have more than one or two dates while you break your fast.”

Allidina also recommends spacing out meals every hour and a half to two, until bedtime to control sugar levels. “When you eat after a really long time, your sugar levels spike up, and our blood sugar profile reflects in our energy levels. You don’t want your sugars on a roller-coaster, so it is recommended that you eat smaller portions more frequently, during the hours that you’re allowed to eat.”

Another important thing for people with diabetes is to eat the Suhoor or morning meal before the fast begins. “It is imperative that all persons with diabetes who wish to fast, get up and eat this meal. They can’t even consider fasting if they don’t. It is a really important meal and should be packed with complex carbs and proteins, wholegrain bread and almond and peanut butter. This meal should also include some fruit.”

Ultimately, the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a cleansing process. “And you can take this month as an opportunity to kick start a healthy lifestyle, keeping the good eating habits even after the month is over”, she says.